Indian economist, was sworn in as India's 13th prime minister in May, becoming the country's first Sikh premier. He accepted the post after the Indian National Congress prevailed over the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in parliamentary elections, and its leader, Sonia Gandhi, refused to become prime minister. As the former finance minister, Singh saved the country from potential financial ruin and initiated economic changes that have contributed to India's prospering economy.